The Origin of a Tale

Originality
Originally uploaded by andebos.

I went out with a bunch of newly made friends last night. We all joined for house church, had excellent conversation, realized how small of a world it really is, and then went to watch The Incredibles. It was a terrific movie. I definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the movie theater these days. Last night was time well spent in my book. It's so easy to forget how important meaningful interaction and relationships can truly be in your life. On another note, I have been thinking a lot lately about all the movies, books, and tv series coming out lately that are prequil (sp?) based. For instance Star Wars, Smallville, the new Batman and Superman movies, etc...

There seems such a high interest in these stories behind the story. Too often in my life I become so interested in the here and now that I forget about all the details that composed the present. For instance with my class, I typically look at their behavior and want an immediate fix or change - but I am not willing to realize their is a story behind why they act the way they do. I love hearing about people's stories, their history - when I have the time. But too many times there is no time. When this happens we overlook understanding the cause behind the effect, or action as the case may be. Sometimes I think that the problems in the present can be fixed by matters in the present - but now, my perspective is changing. Many of the joys and pains from the here and now are because of the origin of their tale. So what I am thinking is that we must deal with the present and the past. I see this shift in counseling and relationships these days - prequils may be an offshoot of this. We are interested in the past and the way it affects the future. "Look at the stars. Their light burned out hundreds of thousands of years ago, but their light is just now reaching us. The past always affects the present." There is a line from Meet Joe Black that I thoroughly enjoy hearing over and over...Anthony Hopkins is talking to Brad Pitt (death) about his wife and then pauses to say "you've probably heard this a thousand times, huh?" when death replies "more." Then death says, "tell me how you met your wife" Anthony says I thought you've heard it all before?" Death responds, "this is the part I am interested in."

Hearing the stories behind the lives of others is interesting and powerful. We see how their choices made them who they are, and we begin to understand the sadness and joys that encompass their personality. More than anything it brings us to a point where not loving them becomes an incredibly hard thing to do. Listen to the history, stories, origins and tales of those around you - soon you will see their life in the light of forgiveness and hope.